View Full Version : Looking for my first Blackberry.
FlashAM
02-19-2008, 09:14 AM
I've been reading these forums for a while now before I registered. I'm going to get a Blackberry soon, just a question of how soon I should! Verizon, (and no, I won't be changing providers anytime soon! :) ) it looks like, is having a sale on the 8800. I can get it for $199 after a $100 MIR. Now the question is, should I jump on the 8800, or wait and see what new units come out? I know the people here are more in tuned to Blackberries than I am, so any opinions are welcomed.
JSanders
02-19-2008, 09:18 AM
Welcome to the Forums, FlashAM.
VZW has the 8830, no the 8800 only a slight difference. You will see the Curve 8330 soon on Verizon, hopefuly with 60 days.
Depends on how badly you need it and what you want for options...if you need a camera, you should probably wait...otherwise go for it
FlashAM
02-19-2008, 12:18 PM
Thanks for the welcome and information. Yes, I meant to put 8830, but my fingers weren't working that early in the morning! :)
I'm definitely not worried about a camera. I have a nice 5MP digital that takes much better pictures than any camera on a phone!!!
I've heard about the ringer problem (low volume), how is the vibration alert on the 8830? I used to have an i730 and the vibration in that wasn't as good as the U740 I'm using now. I don't know if anyone has any comparison on that (haven't seen any posts on it either, tbh!)
I appreciate the help guys!!!
jsconyers
02-19-2008, 12:44 PM
I think the vibration alert is weak compared to a Nextel 7520 IMO. Over all I think the 8830 is a solid device. They keypad is kind of small and the keys are too close together for some. I say give it a few days and you will get used to it. One other complaint is the Blue letters on the silver keys. This makes it pretty difficult to see in the dark. The new red 8830 shouldn't have that issue. I suggest going to a store and feeling the device out.
greggebhardt
02-19-2008, 12:50 PM
I think the vibration alert is weak compared to a Nextel 7520 IMO. Over all I think the 8830 is a solid device. They keypad is kind of small and the keys are too close together for some. I say give it a few days and you will get used to it. One other complaint is the Blue letters on the silver keys. This makes it pretty difficult to see in the dark. The new red 8830 shouldn't have that issue. I suggest going to a store and feeling the device out.
All of them are weak compared to a 7520!
paulbblc
02-19-2008, 01:19 PM
I'd wait it out until VZW releases the 8330.
SH Customs
02-19-2008, 01:20 PM
I be leave the promotion is for new subscribing members. Like to get them to sign a new two year agreement. I am not sure on that but you may want to look into it. If you are already locked in with VZW. I would recommend looking on Ebay. Since this phone new retails for about $600. I picked mind up on Ebay for $250 used (But in really good shape). Plus it came with an extra battery and a car charger.
Edit:
I have the silver 8830. Has some wear on the back and a scratch. That was the only thing wrong with it.
JSanders
02-19-2008, 01:34 PM
Thanks, SH Customs, and welcome to the BBF.
If you buy off eBay or Craig'slist, or even here on the BBF Buy Sell section, read this first:
Buying a BlackBerry off eBay - BlackBerryFAQ.com (http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/Buying_a_BlackBerry_off_eBay)
SH Customs
02-19-2008, 01:41 PM
Thanks, SH Customs, and welcome to the BBF.
If you buy off eBay or Craig'slist, or even here on the BBF Buy Sell section, read this first:
Buying a BlackBerry off eBay - BlackBerryFAQ.com (http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/Buying_a_BlackBerry_off_eBay)
Thanks, I love the warm welcomes. I hope I can help others, as I learn. I am still learning about my 8830. Lots of questions to be asked and answered.
Edit: The link is very helpful. I wished I saw that before I bought mind. As I had a hard time getting the pin unlocked. Because it was suspended. 40 mins on the phone with Verizion and problem solved. The guy on the other line said it was suspended. So IDK, all I care is that my e-mail is being pushed to my pocket.
FlashAM
02-19-2008, 02:53 PM
I took this from the My Account page, so I'm fairly certain I can get the BB for that price.
I might also call VZW tonight and see if they can offer an additional discount, just to try. I've been a loyal customer for over 10 years. :) Is the 8830 that bad compared to a 8330??? I haven't seen too many complaints about it, cept for the ringer issue.
kjjb0204
02-19-2008, 04:57 PM
If you're even remotely capable around a pc, you shouldn't have trouble fixing the volume issue on an 8830. If you get it, it's a simple fix to find a ringer you like, use the desktop manager program to tweak and load back on your bb. I love my 8830, changed the silver housing to black. With that said, I may even be tempted to look at a curve when they come to vzw. I can't resist new toys.
Just go to an ATT or Tmobile store and play around with both models to see what you're more comfortable with in your hands.
kjjb0204
02-19-2008, 04:59 PM
Oh yeah, the silver keyboard on the 8830 definitely sucks and the black keyboards are now next to impossible to find, so make sure you go to a verizon store and try it out somewhere dark to make sure you're ok with the backlighting.
SH Customs
02-19-2008, 06:16 PM
Yea, I also want to swap the cover to black. But I think I will keep it as is, for resale value. I plain to buy a 9000 serries. But as far as the 8830 goes. There are near perfect.
FlashAM
02-19-2008, 08:12 PM
Well, I think I'm going to sleep on it and make a decision tomorrow.
Thanks for all your assistance gents!! I hope to be a flourishing member of the Blackberry society soon! :)
FlashAM
02-20-2008, 09:36 AM
One more question for the 8830 owners. How is the typing on it? After doing some more research people are saying the typing is really hard on this unit because there is no spaces between the keys.
jsconyers
02-20-2008, 09:42 AM
It can be a little difficult at first. I had to get used to it myself. After a few days of using it, it shouldnt be an issue for you.
mark0341
02-20-2008, 11:12 AM
Get the RED 8830. I really like the looks of that BlackBerry. Plus it doesn't have the blue back lite keyboard.
It is a love-hate with keyboard on the 8830.
I feel it is the best keyboard yet. I know I will get flamed for that. Oh well that's what I like.
http://www.blackberryforums.com/general-8800-series-discussion/116875-so-i-got-red-8830-today.html
kjjb0204
02-20-2008, 12:27 PM
I've gotten used to the keyboard and can type quickly, but I definitely liked the keyboard on my old 8700g better, with a bit of spacing between each key.
FlashAM
02-20-2008, 12:31 PM
Thanks for that, you three!
Mark, I'm going to look at your red review. Might change my mind about the silver. Will have to see. Thanks for linking to it though!!
I did find out that SH Customs was correct about the Online Discount being only for new customers. Apparently I had clicked on the wrong section when being logged in under my account! I apologize for the incorrect information. It's going to be $399 with a $100 MIR.
I'm still leaning towards getting this, as carrying around a phone and a big PDA is getting on my nerves. Plus, I'll be getting my tax return in a couple weeks so I'll have a way to pay for it! :)
SH Customs
02-20-2008, 01:50 PM
Exactly same reason why I got a Blackberry. It replaced my phone/pda/ipod. I put a 4 gig Micro SDHC and all my favorite music in. So I am not carrying my ipod everyday. I still do for long trips. But day to day use, it really cut down on what I carry. The best part is I don't carry my laptop anymore. I use to have to go to Starbucks to check my e-mail or send. Now its pushed into my pocket. It is really nice and worth the money, when you get the swing of it.
You will not regret your purchase.
FlashAM
02-21-2008, 08:03 AM
Thanks to everyone! I've purchased my first Blackberry device this morning!!!! 8-)
Hopefully it will not take too long to get here. I know I'm asking to much to have it here tomorrow, so I can play with it this weekend, but I can hope!
Hopefully I'll be seeing and posting to more of you soon!
SH Customs
02-21-2008, 10:57 AM
Hope you enjoy your purchase. I am enjoying mind as I type. As I should be listening to my instructor. Ha. This thing can get you in trouble.
JSanders
02-21-2008, 11:12 AM
SH, I guess you haven't yet been introduced to wap.blackberryforums.com?
phjnky
02-21-2008, 12:00 PM
Just a quick note on the curve vs the 88xx series.
I had the 'dust' under screen problem on my 8320 curve but it doesn't seem to be a common problem with 8830 or just in general the 88xx series. It was actually pretty bad on my curve and it seemed very common since a lot of others here had the problem. (not sure if its been fixed or not)
I did prefer the curve keyboard but the 8830 is solid phone overall.
ULTRON
02-21-2008, 02:41 PM
Wait, ofcourse.
The BB8820 came out last year. Since T-mobile wasn't offering it, I was looking for an unlocked version, which, unfortunately were priced at $700. I waited for a few months and got my BB8820 two weeks ago for $365. I unlocked it myself and removed the ATT logo. Man, I changed my cell-phone after 3 years!
ULTRON
I've been reading these forums for a while now before I registered. I'm going to get a Blackberry soon, just a question of how soon I should! Verizon, (and no, I won't be changing providers anytime soon! :) ) it looks like, is having a sale on the 8800. I can get it for $199 after a $100 MIR. Now the question is, should I jump on the 8800, or wait and see what new units come out? I know the people here are more in tuned to Blackberries than I am, so any opinions are welcomed.
FlashAM
02-22-2008, 07:25 AM
Well, I didn't wait. :) It should be here Monday!
SH Customs
02-22-2008, 08:02 AM
No, Jsanders. Ummm What is it the mobile version of this site. I notice it works pretty good with just the straight forward site. But I think I may help my friend buy an 8830. He's been using mind since yesterday (I get it back today). While I take his 7250 apart, to fix it. Witch is not worth repairing and ordering parts for.
FlashAM
02-26-2008, 07:35 AM
Figured I wouldn't start a new thread just for this!
Well, guys, I finally got my new 8830 yesterday. I opted for the silver one as it looks more professional than the red one. I have to say though, I'm NOT regretting my choice! :) This is an awesome device. Typing on it is actually easier than I thought at first, there are only a few keys I'm going to have to "learn" how to press. I seem to always screw up the D and S keys for one.
I just wanted to thank everyone who gave me their opinions on the device!
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